Ernie Ball: String Theory featuring Neal Schon of Journey

"We never thought about the recording process, of how we were going to cut it with drums and bass, then add this later. We just went in and played live. That's what 'Escape' is and pretty much all of our records." In this episode, Neal Schon, lead guitarist of Journey discusses his history with guitar and early influences, Journey's unique writing process, and how his natural abilities led him humbly through his career.
String Theory is a web series from Ernie Ball that explores the sonic origins of some of music's most innovative players.
Neal Schon relies on Ernie Ball Super Slinky guitar strings. You can find them here: ernieb.al/SuperSlinky
Watch additional episodes of Ernie Ball: String Theory here: ernieb.al/1QtdTx9
#ErnieBall #StringTheory #Journey

[@tommelone766]

The people who play know how good this guy is

[@markfrancissubba5347]

Amen to that!

[@SunshineHB]

Absolute ripper.

[@seeyaaseeyaa464]

Was he part of Santana and then journey ??

[@SunshineHB]

@@seeyaaseeyaa464 yes.

[@Wesley.Deuren]

He's a beast.

[@philisaacs224]

One word : Underrated

[@Brand73]

Every guitar player is underrated if you go by KZbin comments 😂

[@AGRGTR09]

in this case its actually painfully accurate

[@kahmhalen4094]

Anyone who knows Neal, knows how good he is. One of the absolute best. Played with Santana at 14!!!!!

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

WHAT? Under WHAT? This guy is THE highest rated guitarist of ALL time. He's in most people's top 10 or even top 5 guitarist and you call that underrated? You're a buffoon who's just throwing around that word to get a cheap thumbs up with all the other losers on KZbin. *One word : Idiot*

[@giftedplanksify]

Underrated is a totally overrated thing to say these days

[@redmed10]

Brilliant guitarist. Wish melodious rock would come back.

[@ralphsantorelli1304]

Hallaluah to that.

[@Allagi22]

Be the change you wish to see in the world.

[@peanutbutterisfu]

It’s never stopped you just need to put effort into finding it! There is more music being released now then ever! If an older band like journey releases a new song that’s really good the classic rock stations won’t play it they only play the popular songs from back in the day and to be honest they don’t play anything past the 80’s early 90’s. When an older person says there is no good music I ask them their favorite band and then ask them what songs they liked off their last album and they won’t even know their favorite band has released a couple albums in the past even 10 years or the solo album the singer released a couple years ago that’s absolutely amazing. You have to look for new music.

[@redmed10]

@@peanutbutterisfu I should have made clear, i was talking about the new generation who aren't into melodious music. Check the charts, dissonant music seems to be the thing now. Anything with melody is considered old hat. And perhaps it is. Perhaps all the songs that are pleasant to the ear have already been written.

[@peanutbutterisfu]

@@redmed10 there are a lot of new bands that are you have to look for it you can’t just listen to the radio.

[@steveponder4842]

I’m a metal guy, the harder and faster the better, but I love this mans playing!!! My favorite guitarist of all time!!!

[@wannaberabbi9302]

Imagine being in highschool and jamming with clapton and getting such an offer! What a legend!

[@bryanlettow4389]

Yeah I couldn't believe he said no but I'm sure his parents wouldn't let him drop out.

[@tailorlayne5888]

Could you imagine lololol

[@tailorlayne5888]

Best String Theory yet .. Yall need to do "Dan Donegan" from """Disturbed""" much love from one Ernie Ball Player to another!!!!

[@SOBRANTE409]

I speculate this ever happened at all.

[@richs961]

Neil really ads such lyrical phrases to all of his licks. You can actually sing his leads. It's almost as if his guitar is a backup singer. One of the most underrated players out there. So many memorable songs. Keep em coming Neil.

[@luke_Citino]

@@GCKelloch Have you listened to his solo albums?

[@wraith1117]

@@luke_Citino And Journey, pre Steve Perry. Yeah, the man can shred.

[@metalmellie4371]

And NEVER a mistake!

[@metalmellie4371]

@@luke_Citino right!

[@JohnLaco]

He's one of the few guitarists who I listen to and I'm NOT thinking about the guitar side of it, it's pure melody. I find myself coming back after years and thinking, "oh he's just doing x or y". But it was always the melody first.

[@ThatOtherRaccoon]

I LOVE the "Stone In Love" guitar solo. Neal is AMAZING.

[@elpablosky6300]

Mariano Abundiz randy rhoads (R.I.P. ) loved that song !

[@zigmeekane4361]

Legendary tone, legendary guitarist and a pure legend.

[@jamesbuteaux5951]

Thanks to the people at Ernie Ball for putting all these interviews together. Its fantastic to hear these legends like Neil and all the others tell their stories.

[@Zoso7227]

Some guys just never lose their chops. He’s definitely one of them

[@HaXaW5150]

That Stoned in love solo is always going to be one of the best.

[@jaimeecherivel2927]

Neal is one of the reasons I picked up a guitar. Mom had me listening to Journey at a very young age and it just always stuck with me. Always loved his phrasing and tastiness of his playing.

[@michaelbassett3692]

He uses a lot of pitch harmonics. I love the warm tone he creates just by how he picks the guitar.

[@michaelbassett3692]

My older cousin moved in with my family in 1982. He was in 9th grade and I was in third. He brought his records and record player with him. Every morning before school, like at 6:30 am, he would crank Journey without fail. I thought that was the coolest thing ever.

[@WyattWillis88]

His ferocity and fire to me is what is most underated about Mr.Schon.What power!

[@ricklachaine5406]

What I love about his playing is that his solos are always complimentary to the vocal melody of Journey songs.

[@PaulHurleyGuitar]

Thanks for this. Neal is one of the most soulful guitarists the world will ever see.

[@DatMetalBoi75]

God that strat with the reverse headstock is killer

[@gregorys6074]

Right there with Page and Eddie

[@GD22xl18]

Neal, never got enough credit. He’s an absolute master!

[@danacoleman4007]

Lol. That's ridiculous

[@capth00k]

Neal is a killer guitar player. If you haven't listened to his solo / instrumental albums then do yourself a favor and do so ASAP

[@waltershoults7132]

I'll be alright without you ~ Neal makes that song what it is. You add Steve Perry and BAM! some really good music 🎶 🙏 Thank you for the music Neal 👍😎

[@voxpathfinder15r]

This is one of the guys that helped get through my youth many a lonely nights listening to journey and Neil’s searing yet always melodic solos. I should have realized my number one hero, Hendrix, was a big influence on his playing, It never dawned on me before. Good to see Neil back with the old standards, fender strats and Gibson Les Paul

[@jasonwilliamshuck]

yes! love the white strat. he just sounds SO much better with lower output pickups that allow the wood and pickups coil tones to come thru. one of my all-time heroes.

[@SJ-ty5rw]

He has said that he recorded almost all their hits ! with his main b&w strat . The one he used in the lights video , believe later he added a humbucker to it . He had it auctioned some years back . I would have kept it if i was him lol

[@RaySmithWeb]

The most musical guitarist in music today.

[@user-qr7ee2cp4y]

As a pure lead guitarist he’s one of the best... like Carlos, he could solo forever.

[@michaelpsions]

He is very much an individual, His playing is very distinctive, I admire Neal immensely, As a guitarist my self for 40 years, Having your own style is very much an accomplishment, And Neal has it.

[@metalmellie4371]

You made me think of Hammett. I know he gets a lot of shit but you have to admit he's got his own style, the Metallica s.ound

[@musicmore8315]

Neal Schon is the most tasteful guitar player rock has and more than likely will ever know.

[@kebotrans]

He is a gear nerd. I relate 😂. Love his instagram videos when he jams at home. Great me,odic player. Timeless songs.

[@garythomas4431]

I'd put Neal Schon up there with Jeff Beck for being prolific, and keeping it fresh and always a surprise. I started playing guitar around 1974, and Journey was so smooth in those days. I've stolen lots of riffs and spent hours learning Neal's playing in and outside of Journey. One of the world's best. Thank you Neal for all your generosity. GT

[@reneg8223]

Goes to show how important having the right singer and melody is that although Jeff is a guitar God, others like Neal and Page had more commercial success. As good as they are it's all about the songs.

[@zazuzonker]

I know he plays Ernie Ball strings, but what kind of skateboard does he rock? Kidding! The guy is one of the all-time greats. He can wear whatever he wants!

[@salifm6919]

this made me so happy seeing this😣😣😣😣😣😣😣

[@captk5535]

With the music you play we ain’t “livin in a lonely world” no more. Ernie ball is so much more than a guitar string Company, they bring the artists and us the people, the fans, the aspiring musicians, and all those in the wonderful world of rock and roll together. I ain’t as good as these guys are…and I sure as hell don’t have as many guitars…but all of the music we know and love have these strings to thank…and I ain’t gonna use anything else to string my baby’s.

[@johnnypatterson77]

Just an exceptional guitarist I love anything Neal plays, I'm a huge fan of his, just listening to his music wasn't enough for me I had to learn how to play it. If your a guitarist you know what I'm talking about.

[@skeptischism1324]

Really digging the reverse heady fender. Thx for still rocking out after all these years Neil.

[@janiterinadrum1627]

Neil has come up with some of the tastiest and most memorable licks in Rock music.

[@NealSchon-kh5hz]

Hello, how are you doing today? Nice meeting you here.

[@doublejake.4846]

This guy was born to play guitar. Amazing how some people are gifted at sports, some music, some mechanical, so on and so on. At 14 years of age he was catching the eye of real rock stars and being offered to be in their bands, amazing. He is fortunate to have parents who supported him.

[@gregwest2028]

Tone for days... If I could achieve half of his tone id be a happy man.

[@edbigtruck]

Neal in 1979 your solo on lights influenced this 11 year old kid to play guitar. 40 years later you’re still the biggest influence and my guitar hero. I’ve been using Ernie Ball Super Slinky’s since 1984.

[@Jtowers84]

Loved the "Back to the Future" outfit!

[@peterw2880]

This guy is an absolute legend. What an incredible interview

[@thehatemachinestl]

Neil is such a great player! He has been a big influence on my playing for sure! I love how he puts that sweep in at the end of the video just to show the kids what's up!

[@sampower1735]

I'll be alright is one of the most beautiful songs I have heard with a great tasteful solo

[@lefterispanos9543]

Don't stop believing that little solo at the beginning with the amazing bend after the speed up.

[@castanonw]

What a masterful player such a Legend

[@Marktman2003]

Absolutely the most underrated guitarist in history.

[@1970borntorun]

YES!! And I would have to add Ronnie Montrose ( RIP ) and Steve Lukather to that category as well !! ♫

[@jeffhebert9643]

Saw Journey once , an outdoor show.......FANTASTIC .

[@sd_design]

Me too. Day On The Green 1980 changed my life.

[@ve2126]

His guitar tone. Skills. Everything just perfect. 👍👍🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@roosterj2599]

Neal Schon went from backing Santana to Lead in Journey and went onto writing some of the greatest songs ever written. 200 years from now Don't Stop Believing will still be played. Songs we will never forget. Thanks Neal!

[@johnroberts838]

Excellent Video, Brilliant Guitarist, Beautifully Melodic 👍👍👍. Thank you. Melbourne, Australia

[@migzz7976]

Mixing up different gauge Ernie strings, Great advice! Neal Schon is so cool. Stone in Love for sure

[@metalmellie4371]

I've always loved him! You'll never ever hear a mistake from this man!

[@ADR.Hi-Gain]

Neal Rocks ! & Ernie Ball Rocks!! I have been using Ernie Ball strings since the mid-80’s that’s all I use too. Super Slinky “Nickel” on the Relic & Slinky “Colbalt” on the Charvel.

[@scottdouglasmaclachlan4792]

My wife worked for Kalodner (Geffen A&R head for years), and being a player for decades, I loved how Neal developed. Great video, and for me, 7's freaking rocked!!! I could do anything I'd ever imagined, they were that slinky!!! Lol

[@chrisb8655]

John Kalodner. I haven't heard that name in years. Did you ever jam with Neal?

[@scottdouglasmaclachlan4792]

Chris B I wish…Jammed with Billy Gibbons and Spencer Davis, sang background vocals on two LP’s with Doug Aldrich, but not with Neil.

[@ronarmitage533]

Such a stand up guy. I have so much respect for him.

[@michaellnbnj]

Love Neal Schon! I wish someone would do a comprehensive lesson/tutorial on his guitar solo style - Especially the fast/speed element of his playing.

[@davidyates8880]

Mike, check this out. It's the rhythm of Neal, I think he's going to do a solo lesson soon, his channel is great :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/iomQYnSrZ7-Zqqc

[@michaellnbnj]

Thanks, David!

[@pskemster]

Good chemistry is a beautiful thing ,,when it comes to creative jamming. Just putting hand to clay. It beautiful!

[@nokomisnichols]

One of the all time greatest guitar players. One of my favorite guitar players.

[@robg8784]

Incredible Brilliant Musician/Guitarist!

[@DavidLightWill]

Great band --great guitarist. thanks for the post

[@stevepartain864]

Im 64, used to come home in 1977 and play to journey from my record player and les paul and just jam with them in my mind and in my room, magical it was, what a time.

[@joelmiddaugh8229]

For those saying he is underrated, he's on every "Top 100 guitarists of all time" list I've ever seen. I think he has gotten due credit for his abilities.

[@joelmiddaugh8229]

@Ron Gillespie Maybe everyone under 35 sure.

[@unsurprisingly]

LOVE this and your strings and channel from Huntington WV thanks

[@barrysmith916]

Neil made up his own patterns. Greatest melodic player ever.

[@CarlosMorgadoMusic]

One of my favourite guitarists ever!

[@UptempoMusicLessons]

Hendrix played 11s. He played Jeff Beck's guitar which had 9s and said to Jeff "what are these rubber bands?" Jeff says this in an interview.

[@erichaheidrich4593]

Legend. So much emotion.

[@BonJovi1987Fan]

Neil is the reason I picked up the guitar and later on Richie Sambora became my #1 favorite guitarist after Neil Schon, but I didn't forget my beginning.

[@yumyumpromotions7465]

well produced piece thank you

[@sd_design]

100% guitar legend!

[@jaeden2806]

One of my greatest inspirations!

[@dariocrocetta9026]

epic playing!!!

[@swedeinla]

The man is a bonafide LEGEND

[@lpgoog]

Amazing legacy to say the least! 👍🎸🎼

[@richardturk7162]

I use 8s on an old Charvel with a Kahler flat mount bridge with the heavy spring kit in it. Fantastic feeling.

[@suetruett3812]

I've been listening to Neal since his days with Santana. He is a monster with a 6 string in his hands.

[@bigkahuna4847]

So much greatness

[@anthonyfisher5076]

such a great guitarist! and always has been.

[@drdave971]

great guitar player very lyrical and melodically gifted , and can shred with anyone

[@BonnieHalfElven]

I don't know all the toys and effects and such, and just recently learned what a loop pedal is. Cool to see Neil use one for this video.

[@fernandes5986]

Neal Schon, forever my hero.

[@13thRaven]

What a beautiful guitar..... the white strat. Dream guitar

[@whiterhoads611]

The reverse headatock and reverse slanted bridge pickup is so cool

[@AAAGameVids]

great stuff!!!

[@nickcosta8062]

When I think of "Badass" on the guitar.. NS is one of the first who come to mind..

[@LeoKotzen92]

Best guitarist ever in rock in terms of musicality No one even come close to his melodic skills

[@RoxxHoffner]

One of my favorite guitar players/songwriters. His son #MilesSchon is amazing as well.

[@Cougar139tweak]

One word UNDERRATED

[@jonmyers7485]

Just a plain badass

[@johnmoser2689]

Omg stone in love solo that piece is an absolutley historic gold classic masterpiece that it's ingrained in my soul thanks for all the great music I couldn't live without👍😎👍

[@MrROTD]

A few people said I sound like Niel, I was flattered I love his playing especially the solos.

[@AnodyneHipsterInfluencer]

I mean look, it all worked our cuz Journey is... Journey. *BUT*, if Eric Clapton asks you to move to London and join his band, you say, *YES*.

[@billwilenski]

Niels probably my favorite player of all time and listen to them with old journey

[@monmixer]

We used to do that in our bar band. we were playing kick ass country and rocking it out, rearranging it. We had out own songs also that were much like the Allman Brothers. We used Deluxe reverbs and turned them up to ten straight across the the board. Everything even the reverb was on ten and throw a furniture packing blanket of it with a mic underneath. What a sound. It was awesome like blasting a marshall stack in a big arena but at a controlled volume because of the packing blankets. They do the same thing today but the put the cabs in a road case with foam packed around them to eliminate most of the stage volume.I love earnie ball slinky .09 gauge. that's about as thick as you can go and still be able to bend and blend bent strings with strings that are not. Billy Gibbons uses .08 gauge on most of his guitars.

One of the greatest rock guitarists of all time.

[@diegoarana5862]

nobody can play aeolian like this dude can. so melodic and soulful.

[@oldtimerf7602]

Always thought him to be top tier. The solos in feeling that way/anytime are brilliant.

[@ltrenum]

Those are my favorite songs on Captured 🤘🏼

[@yanossnicklefritz7064]

One of my favorite guitarists. Such a soulful player. It's funny him saying he used a tape player to record and remember parts he came up with in writing songs. I do the same, but nowadays right onto my phone with a recorder app. Too bad that not only did technology become such a benefit to musicians, but also our doom.

[@thejonathandoan]

Top 5 guitar influences for me. His solos with Journey are the main reason I bought an electric guitar and will try my best to learn it well so I can emulate him.

[@coopercarter]

Great one!!

[@rickmurie5861]

Fascinating.

[@azraelblick4117]

This guy is the epitome of a cool and bad ass rocker. That damned Strat config is like my dream Strat config, he nailed it! I want one in white, one in black, just like it!